World number one Rafael Nadal had no problems with beating his third round opponent Gilles Simon in three straight sets 6-4 6-4 6-2 to advance to the next round . Nadal, 24 who has never played in the final of the US open killed the game with the last serve after two hours. His next opponent will be his countryman Feliciano Lopez, who went through the third round after his opponent Sergiy Stakhovsky withdrew from the competition after an injury to his toes. Lopez is ranked number 23 in the world.

World number 18 Nicolas Almagro was edged out surprisingly by Sam Querrey while David Nalbandian bowed out of the competition after losing to Fernando Verdasco.

Seven Spanish players won their respective matches to book a place in the 4 th round of the US OPEN but Almagro had a different fate as the Spaniard lost to Querrey who is ranked number 20 in the world. Querrey is the youngest player still playing in Flushing Meadows and he played great serves to win 6-3 6-4 6-4 to book a 4th round meeting with Swiss player, Stanislas Wawrinka.

Nadal’s form had been hit with a series of knee injuries but he’s stepped up his game when he finally overcame the injuries. The US open has eluded him up till this moment and this will be his first crown if he triumphs.

After winning the French Open and Wimbledon tournaments in 2010, the world number one won the first set after a breakpoint in the third. His victory was becoming clearer by the seventh game even though his opponent matched him boot for boot.

Gilles Simon is seeded number 42 in the world and his first child was born on Thursday. Simon was tired after a strong series of serves from Nadal. Nadal stated that he was happy to have won the match in straight sets as it was increasing his confidence.

Nadal will line up against Lopez in his next match.